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en-usCopyright 2015 AOL, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only.Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/18/dead-or-alive-5-last-round-nets-copycat-schoolgirl-honoka/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/18/dead-or-alive-5-last-round-nets-copycat-schoolgirl-honoka/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/18/dead-or-alive-5-last-round-nets-copycat-schoolgirl-honoka/#commentsDead or Alive 5: Last Round was never exactly short on female representation, but one more can't hurt, right? Meet Honoka, a schoolgirl fighter (as in, a schoolgirl who fights, not someone who beats up schoolgirls) who, according to a press release, can instantly learn any fighting move she sees. Honoka has used this ability to create her own fighting style, which she calls "Honoka Fu."

Unfortunately, while Honoka is a skilled fighter, she is not a particularly practiced one. Her punches pack less of a whollop than other, more seasoned fighters, unless she is using her "Hissatsu-no-Kamae" stance. In this stance, Honoka possesses a much higher amount of strength and is capable of using moves she has never seen from any fighter. You can see her moves and stances in action after the break.

Dead or Alive 5: Last Round is due in the Xbox One, Xbox 360, PS3, PS4 and PC fighting rings on February 17.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dead-or-alive-5dead-or-alive-5-last-roundkoei-tecmomicrosoftpcplaystationps3ps4team-ninjaxboxxbox-oneSun, 18 Jan 2015 18:30:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/05/dead-or-alive-5-last-round-to-hit-pc-but-online-plays-in-limbo/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/05/dead-or-alive-5-last-round-to-hit-pc-but-online-plays-in-limbo/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/05/dead-or-alive-5-last-round-to-hit-pc-but-online-plays-in-limbo/#comments
The Dead or Alive series is coming to Windows PC for the first time, with DoA 5 Last Round confirmed for a Steam launch alongside console versions on February 17, 2015. However, much like the fighter's array of characters, not everything will be covered by launch time. According to its Steam page, Last Round will arrive on PC without online modes, and it will take up to three months for them to be patched in.

Publisher Koei Tecmo didn't offer any explanation for the belated online play in this week's press release or on the Steam page. The listing simply states that "online modes for Dead or Alive 5 Last Round will be added in a patch within three months of release."

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dead-or-alive-5dead-or-alive-5-last-roundkoei-tecmopcrelease-datesteamteam-ninjatecmo-koeiFri, 05 Dec 2014 07:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/23/team-ninjas-ni-oh-is-not-dead-oh-needs-a-little-time/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/23/team-ninjas-ni-oh-is-not-dead-oh-needs-a-little-time/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/23/team-ninjas-ni-oh-is-not-dead-oh-needs-a-little-time/#comments
We wouldn't blame you if you didn't remember the announcement and reveal of Tecmo Koei's Ni-Oh - it's been eight years since the game reared its samurai armor-clad head during a non-playable demo at the 2006 Tokyo Game Show. Since then, it went dark and was later revived as a Team Ninja project - albeit a very quiet one. However, the wait may finally be coming to a close.

"I have heard rumors that it's been stopped, but it's actually very much in development," Team Ninja Producer Yosuke Hayashi told GamesBeat in an interview. "We still need a little time before showing it off, but it is starting to come together and feel good. You should definitely keep an eye out for it in the future."

Ni-Oh will have some fairly infamous company, should it ever actually see the light of day: Duke Nukem Forever and Aliens: Colonial Marines also saw numerous periods of quiet and multiple developers jumping onboard before release, and well ... we don't really have to tell you how well they went over. But then, Xbox 360 game Prey was also in that boat, and it was ... alright.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ni-ohplaystationps3ps4team-ninjaTecmo-KoeiSun, 23 Nov 2014 18:30:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/02/report-dead-or-alive-5-last-round-sees-2-new-fighters/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/02/report-dead-or-alive-5-last-round-sees-2-new-fighters/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/02/report-dead-or-alive-5-last-round-sees-2-new-fighters/#comments
On top of its upgraded and expanded content, Dead or Alive 5: Last Round will feature two new fighters, one female and one male, Siliconera reports. The lady fighter is new to the Dead or Alive franchise, while Koei Tecmo hasn't clarified whether the dude fighter is a returning character.

The female fighter - and presumably other characters - will be developed with Koei Tecmo's new Soft Engine, which is tuned to better depict "softness" and "warmth" of characters' bodies, the site reports. Dead or Alive and Dead or Alive 2's "The Danger Zone" stage will make an appearance in Last Round as well.

Dead or Alive 5: Last Round is in development for PS3, Xbox 360, PS4 and Xbox One, and it's due out in spring 2015.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dead-or-alive-5dead-or-alive-5-last-roundkoei-tecmomicrosoftplaystationps3ps4Team-Ninjaxboxxbox-oneThu, 02 Oct 2014 17:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2014/09/17/hyrule-warriors-review-moblin-warfare/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/09/17/hyrule-warriors-review-moblin-warfare/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/09/17/hyrule-warriors-review-moblin-warfare/#comments
Though The Legend of Zelda series includes some of the most beloved games of all time, Hyrulean protagonist Link has seen some less than stellar adventures in the hands of developers not named Nintendo. Capcom's Oracle of Seasons and Oracle of Ages Game Boy games were excellent, but both relied on gameplay elements and graphics borrowed from Nintendo's own The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening. More notorious are the three CD-i games which transplanted Link into a wholly new gameplay style that's best described as a hybrid of the sidescrolling stages of the second Legend of Zelda game and an unending litany of poor design decisions. The less said about the games' baffling take on Nintendo character design, the better.

Despite this disappointing history, Nintendo has now granted Koei Tecmo - more specifically, its most notable developers, Omega Force and Team Ninja - the rights to craft their own Legend of Zelda entry, a melee-focused Wii U spin-off dubbed Hyrule Warriors. It would be difficult to match the depressing legacy left by the CD-i entries, but it seems an even more daunting task to match Nintendo's pedigree of sterling high-fantasy adventures. Fortunately for fans of both The Legend of Zelda and Koei Tecmo's flagship musou brawlers, Hyrule Warriors is successful on nearly every level.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hyrule-warriorsmusounintendoomega-forceteam-ninjatecmo-koeiwii-uWed, 17 Sep 2014 10:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2014/09/02/dead-or-alive-5-last-round-returns-on-last-generation-too/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/09/02/dead-or-alive-5-last-round-returns-on-last-generation-too/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/09/02/dead-or-alive-5-last-round-returns-on-last-generation-too/#comments
When it launches next spring, Dead or Alive: Last Round - pinkie promise - is going to be the second re-release of Team Ninja's fighter to hit Xbox 360 and PS3. In fairness to DOA5, Street Fighter 4 is already up to three on that count.

As revealed over the weekend, the new version is also coming to PS4 and Xbox One where Team Ninja boss Yosuke Hayashi promises "the most graphically striking version of any Dead or Alive game ever." For returning players moving to PS4 and Xbox One, Koei Tecmo said previously bought DLC is transferable from last-gen consoles to the new ones.

For a first look at Last Round, check out the new trailer below the break.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dead-or-alive-5DLCkoei-tecmomicrosoftplaystationps3ps4release-dateteam-ninjaxboxxbox-oneTue, 02 Sep 2014 12:30:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2014/08/05/hyrule-warriors-adventure-mode-has-nes-zelda-appeal/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/08/05/hyrule-warriors-adventure-mode-has-nes-zelda-appeal/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/08/05/hyrule-warriors-adventure-mode-has-nes-zelda-appeal/#comments
Nintendo offered new details on Hyrule Warriors during a Nintendo Direct livestream last night dedicated to spilling new beans on the game. The Tecmo Koei-developed offering will include an adventure mode that features a NES-style map inspired by the original Legend of Zelda. In it, players hack through levels with unique victory conditions, such as "defeat 300 enemies in 10 minutes," acquiring and using classic items from the Zelda series to find rare goods like heart containers.

Additionally, Zelda fans will appreciate the familiar ability to chop away at grass in Hyrule Warriors and attack the chicken-like Cuccos, which will attack players after enough unjust damage has been done to the creatures. The livestream also touched on the game's leveling and skill/equipment crafting system; we've embedded the full Hyrule Warriors Direct stream for your viewing pleasure. Hyrule Warriors will launch September 26 for Wii U, and those that register their copies on Club Nintendo by October 23 will receive two Ganondorf costumes.

Because Dead or Alive 5 Ultimate can never have enough slight variations on franchise protagonist Kasumi, the developer has unveiled "Phase-4," a new character who is quite literally a clone of the series' most famous kunoichi.

Unveiled alongside the 1.07 patch (which squashes a handful of bugs, but is otherwise largely focused on fleshing out Phase-4), this latest iteration of Kasumi shares a few of the original's moves, though as you can see in the above trailer, Phase-4 adds a unique, smoky touch to everything she does. Even her alternate costumes are mysterious. They all seem to bear the trademark hyper-sexuality that Team Ninja infuses into all of its games, but Phase-4's various costumes generally revolve around a hood, making her the most brooding, angsty version of Kasumi to date.

Publisher Tecmo Koei has a long history of releasing dozens of paid DLC offerings for its games, and Phase-4 is no exception. Those hoping to add the new fighter to Dead or Alive 5 Ultimate face a $6 cover charge. Assuming you've got that kind of cash, Phase-4 can now be found on both the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3.

Another character set to join the ranks of the Dead or Alive fighters has been revealed, and this one is quite a monster. Literally. The character is Female Tengu, a gender-swapped version of the Dead or Alive 2 final boss, Tengu.

Team Ninja tweetedteasers of the character earlier in the week, but it was through Japanese magazine Famitsu that the developer announced this would be a new character and not a costume for an existing character. That being said, judging by her reveal trailer, her fighting style and combos are very similar to the original Tengu's, if not downright identical. Well, at least they ditched the male's giant nose, if only to replace it with some huge hair. Seriously girl, how long it take you to get ready in the morning? Dang!

Female Tengu joins a(nother) clone of Kasumi and a young girl with Lolita fashion sense as some of the franchise's freshest faces. She will be released to console versions of Dead or Alive 5 Ultimate in Japan later this month.

Launching in Japan with the title Zelda Musou, Hyrule Warriors pits The Legend of Zelda series protagonist Link against spawning hordes of familiar foes. Famitsu additionally reports that the project is a collaboration between Dynasty Warriors series developer Omega Force and Team Ninja producers Hisashi Koinuma and Yosuke Hayasahi.

A North American release date for Hyrule Warriors has not been announced.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hyrule-warriorsnintendorelease-dateteam-ninjatecmo-koeiwii-uzelda-musouTue, 20 May 2014 15:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/22/joystiq-weekly-gdc-2014-infamous-metal-gear-solid-and-more/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/22/joystiq-weekly-gdc-2014-infamous-metal-gear-solid-and-more/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/22/joystiq-weekly-gdc-2014-infamous-metal-gear-solid-and-more/#commentsWelcome to Joystiq Weekly, a "too long; didn't read" of each week's biggest stories, reviews and original content. Each category's top story is introduced with a reactionary gif, because moving pictures aren't just for The Daily Prophet.

We saw many great games and met with many great people during this year's Game Developers Conference in sunny San Francisco. Or did we? One of the biggest announcements of the show was undoubtedly Project Morpheus, the upcoming virtual reality headset from Sony, and during our hands-on demo, we felt pretty darn virtual. So now the question is: What if we didn't really attend GDC 2014? What if it was all virtual reality? Whoa, dude.

Sony also gained news traction this week thanks to the release of PS4-exclusive, Infamous: Second Son. Meanwhile, Snake/Jack Bauer has come out of retirement (again) to save the world in Metal Gear Solid 5: Ground Zeroes, and a new cyborg ninja came to town with the release of Yaiba: Ninja Gaiden Z. You can read all about these games and more of the week's biggest and best after the break.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>infamous-second-sonjoystiq-weeklykonamiluftrausersmetal-gear-solid-5metal-gear-solid-ground-zeroessonysucker-punchteam-ninjatecmo-koeivlambeeryaibayaiba-ninja-gaiden-zSat, 22 Mar 2014 12:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/21/doa5-ultimate-getting-more-new-characters-eventual-dlc-pack/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/21/doa5-ultimate-getting-more-new-characters-eventual-dlc-pack/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/21/doa5-ultimate-getting-more-new-characters-eventual-dlc-pack/#commentsDead or Alive 5 Ultimatewill be adding more new faces to its roster, developer Team Ninja tweeted today. The fighters will be introduced into arcade versions of the game first, and come to consoles later.

Team Ninja also announced that the yet-to-be-revealed fighters will be grouped together as part of a "New Characters" set after all of them have made their way to DOA5 Ultimate Arcade, but that such a pack would not be available for at least six months.

Marie Rose, the newest fighter to the DOA universe, will be punching and kicking her way across PS3 on March 25, and Xbox 360 one day later.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dead-or-alive-5microsoftplaystationps3team-ninjatecmo-koeixboxFri, 21 Mar 2014 19:30:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2014/02/07/report-team-ninja-working-on-playstation-4-game-after-yaiba/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/02/07/report-team-ninja-working-on-playstation-4-game-after-yaiba/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/02/07/report-team-ninja-working-on-playstation-4-game-after-yaiba/#comments
Ninja Gaiden developer Team Ninja will shift its development focus to an unnamed PlayStation 4 game after shipping its current project, Yaiba: Ninja Gaiden Z, according to a Dengeki Online report (via Gematsu).

"First, we will release Yaiba: Ninja Gaiden Z for PS3 and Xbox 360, which we joint-developed with the Inafune-led company Comcept," Team Ninja studio head Yosuke Hayashi said, translated by Gematsu. "Additionally, we're also developing a PlayStation 4 title internally, so please look forward to future updates."

No further details regarding the team's coming PS4 project were revealed. Yaiba: Ninja Gaiden Z is scheduled to launch for the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and PC on March 18 in North America.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ninja-gaidenplaystationps4team-ninjatecmo-koeiyaibaFri, 07 Feb 2014 18:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2014/01/22/yaiba-ninja-gaiden-z-delayed-comic-series-from-dark-horse-begin/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/01/22/yaiba-ninja-gaiden-z-delayed-comic-series-from-dark-horse-begin/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/01/22/yaiba-ninja-gaiden-z-delayed-comic-series-from-dark-horse-begin/#comments
Like a zombie slowly shuffling toward tasty, tasty brains, the release date for Yaiba: Ninja Gaiden Zhas limped from March 4, 2014 to March 18. For those who can't wait to witness zombie murder at the hands of a ninja cyborg, however, Team Ninja and Dark Horse Comics have released the first of a three-part comic series that provides insight into the world and story of the upcoming game.

Written by Tim Seeley (Army of Darkness vs. Hack/Slash) and Josh Emmons (Ex Sanguine), the debut issue has main character Yaiba explaining how his sword came to be known as "Heartless." Just a wild guess here, but we're going to wager it has something to do with it being used to kill a lot of people. Maybe we're wrong, though! You can find out by downloading the first issue for free from the Dark Horse digital store or via the iOS or Android apps. The comic will also be available in physical format when the game releases.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidcomicdark-horse-comicsiosipadiphonemicrosoftmobilepcplaystationps3team-ninjaTecmo-Koeixboxyaiba-ninja-gaiden-zWed, 22 Jan 2014 21:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2014/01/13/dead-or-alive-5-ultimate-bringing-marie-rose-to-consoles-this-sp/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/01/13/dead-or-alive-5-ultimate-bringing-marie-rose-to-consoles-this-sp/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/01/13/dead-or-alive-5-ultimate-bringing-marie-rose-to-consoles-this-sp/#comments
Springtime will see Marie Rose blossom onto the console versions of Dead or Alive 5 Ultimate, Team Ninja revealed. As reported by Siliconera and Shoryuken, her addition will be preceded by a February update, bringing - what else - new costumes to the brawler.

To recap, Dead or Alive 5 Ultimate is the expanded re-release of the 2012 game, adding new stages, characters, modes, and the like. As for Marie Rose, Team Ninja added the Lolita madam to the arcade version of DoA5U back in November, finally filling the game's dearth of scantily-clad ladies.

There's no confirmation these dates apply outside of Japan, but the good news is that DoA5 updates have traditionally been concurrent or thereabouts across the globe.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dead-or-alive-5dead-or-alive-5-ultimatemicrosoftplaystationps3team-ninjaTecmo-KoeixboxMon, 13 Jan 2014 10:30:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2013/12/13/yaiba-ninja-gaiden-zs-classic-side-scrolling-mode-spotted-in-n/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/12/13/yaiba-ninja-gaiden-zs-classic-side-scrolling-mode-spotted-in-n/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/12/13/yaiba-ninja-gaiden-zs-classic-side-scrolling-mode-spotted-in-n/#commentsYaiba: Ninja Gaiden Z will receive a special Ninja Gaiden Z mode, Team Ninja announced. The retro-inspired mode offers side-scrolling action similar to past games in the series along with 8-bit-style cut scenes and menus. In addition to the trailer and screens showing off the classic game mode, the developer issued an additional quirky parody trailer, seen after the break.

What's more, Team Ninja noted that the game's main character Yaiba will receive a downloadable alternate costume thanks to a collaboration with Comcept. Players will have the ability to dress their ninja warrior up like Beck, the lead character of Keiji Inafune's Mighty No. 9. Yaiba: Ninja Gaiden Z is slated to launch on March 4, 2014 for PC, Xbox 360 and PS3.

PlayStation Plus members can put that subscription to further use by chopping a further 10 percent off both offers. Finally, as with all games in PlayStation's 12 Deals of Christmas Euro-promo, the offers last for 48 hours starting today.

Dead or Alive 5 Ultimate: Arcade, the Japan-exclusive arcade port of Team Ninja's latest brawler, is piling another character on top of its already-stacked roster. Lolita fasionista Marie Rose, along with the other 862 characters* in the game, is briefly teased in the trailer above.

Japanese arcades get DOA 5 Ultimate: Arcade some time this winter. Tecmo Koei has not announced the arcade version for other territories, though a post on Facebook says that despite this being an exclusive to Japan, "we haven't forgotten about our overseas fighters" and that Tecmo Koei will provide "more information in the near future."

*There aren't 862 characters in DOA 5 Ultimate: Arcade, despite the fact that it totally seems that way. In reality, there are 30 characters to choose from in DOA 5 Ultimate: Arcade.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dead-or-alive-5dead-or-alive-5-ultimatedead-or-alive-5-ultimate-arcadejapanmarie-roseteam-ninjatecmo-koeiMon, 18 Nov 2013 14:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2013/11/07/dead-or-alive-5-ultimate-core-fighters-eclipses-500-000-downloa/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/11/07/dead-or-alive-5-ultimate-core-fighters-eclipses-500-000-downloa/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/11/07/dead-or-alive-5-ultimate-core-fighters-eclipses-500-000-downloa/#commentsDead or Alive 5: Ultimate Core Fighters, a free-to-play adaptation of Tecmo Koei's one-on-one fighting game series for the PlayStation 3, has been downloaded more than 500,000 times since its launch in September.

Released alongside the retail version of Dead or Alive 5 Ultimate, Core Fighters features a limited selection of characters and modes, offering a story component and other content via add-on purchases. Shortly after Core Fighters was announced, rival fighting game publisher Namco Bandai countered with the free-to-play Tekken Revolution, which has been downloaded more than two million times since June.

Dead or Alive 5: Ultimate and Core Fighters are updated with new content frequently, with last month bringing the release of Halloween-themed character costumes. Developer Team Ninja continues the trend with this week's launch of downloadable Tecmo Bowl uniforms for Bass, Bayman, Leon, Rachel, Tina and Zack. Players who purchase any of the six new football costumes will also receive a free downloadable copy of the retro football revival Tecmo Bowl Throwback for the PlayStation 3.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dead-or-alive-5-ultimatedead-or-alive-5-ultimate-core-fightersplaystationps3team-ninjatecmo-koeiThu, 07 Nov 2013 01:15:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2013/11/01/yaiba-ninja-gaiden-z-coming-to-europe-a-week-early/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/11/01/yaiba-ninja-gaiden-z-coming-to-europe-a-week-early/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/11/01/yaiba-ninja-gaiden-z-coming-to-europe-a-week-early/#commentsYaiba Ninja Gaiden Z-ooms to Europe one week ahead of North America, slicing up the continent on February 28. Just yesterday, Tecmo Koei announced the flamboyant spin-off will hit North America on March 4, coming to Xbox 360, PS3, and PC.

Yaiba represents an unusual three-way collaboration between Team Ninja, Lost Planet 3 dev Spark Unlimiited, and Soul Sacrifice studio Comcept. The fruit borne is a mixture of Ninja Gaiden slice-and-dicing and, well, lots and lots and lots of zombies. And plenty of smut too, as a new trailer reveals.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>comcepteuropemicrosoftpcplaystationps3release-datespark-unlimitedsteamTeam-NinjaxboxyaibaFri, 01 Nov 2013 12:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2013/10/31/yaiba-ninja-gaiden-z-flips-out-march-4-2014/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/10/31/yaiba-ninja-gaiden-z-flips-out-march-4-2014/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/10/31/yaiba-ninja-gaiden-z-flips-out-march-4-2014/#comments
Spark Unlimited, Team Ninja and Comcept collaboration Yaiba: Ninja Gaiden Z has been pegged for a March 4, 2014 launch in the US on Xbox 360, PS3 and PC through Steam.

Yaiba: Ninja Gaiden Z centers around anti-hero Yaiba Kamikaze - a ninja who massacres his entire clan for perceived weakness. After dying by the hand of Ninja Gaiden series protagonist Ryu Hayabusa during a duel, Kamikaze is then resurrected as a cyborg by a mysterious corporation, which forces him to embark on a quest to quell a zombie outbreak in exchange for the power to enact his revenge on Hayabusa.

Team Ninja told Joystiq back in August that the Unreal Engine 3-powered slash-em-up is its own thing - not a spin-off or sequel. Team Ninja went on to say it would love to pursue a sequel, granted Yaiba: Ninja Gaiden Z manages to find an audience. And if the latest trailer above is any indication, that target audience is folks who enjoy terrible, cringe-worthy euphemisms.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>comceptmicrosoftpcplaystationps3release-datespark-unlimitedteam-ninjatecmoTecmo-KoeixboxyaibaThu, 31 Oct 2013 16:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2013/10/08/yaiba-ninja-gaiden-z-set-to-slash-through-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/10/08/yaiba-ninja-gaiden-z-set-to-slash-through-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/10/08/yaiba-ninja-gaiden-z-set-to-slash-through-steam/#commentsYaiba: Ninja Gaiden Z will now chop, slice and dice on PC. Publisher Tecmo Koei announced this morning that the spin-off will be available on Steam, alongside the announced Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 versions, in early 2014.

Yaiba, which we haven't heard much of since Gamescom, is an action-packed bout of ninjas vs. zombies created between Spark Unlimited (Lost Planet 3), Team Ninja and Keiji Inafune's Comcept, which also has its hands full with the successful Mighty No. 9 Kickstarter.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>comceptpcspark-unlimitedTeam-NinjaTecmo-Koeiyaibayaiba-ninja-gaiden-zTue, 08 Oct 2013 21:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2013/09/05/dead-or-alive-5-ultimate-arcade-adds-a-new-fighter/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/09/05/dead-or-alive-5-ultimate-arcade-adds-a-new-fighter/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/09/05/dead-or-alive-5-ultimate-arcade-adds-a-new-fighter/#comments
When Dead or Alive 5 Ultimate debuts in Japanese arcades, players will be introduced to an additional character not seen in the game's newly-released console incarnation.

Who exactly this new fighter might be remains a mystery. The Dead or Alive 5 Ultimate roster includes almost every notable character found in earlier Dead or Alive entries, and with the addition of Rachel and Momiji from Tecmo Koei's Ninja Gaiden franchise, developer Team Ninja is running out of potential cameo characters. Neither Tecmo Koei nor Team Ninja have offered any hints on the fighter's identity.

It was revealed in July that Dead or Alive 5 Ultimate: Arcade will be distributed to Japanese arcades via Sega's "ALL.Net P-ras MULTI Ver. 2," a digital platform that delivers games to online-capable arcade cabinets located in Japanese amusement centers. To date there's been no mention of a Western release for Dead or Alive 5 Ultimate: Arcade, nor any word on when the game might debut in Japan.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcadedead-or-alive-5dead-or-alive-5-ultimatedead-or-alive-5-ultimate-arcadejapanmicrosoftplaystationps3segateam-ninjatecmo-koeixboxThu, 05 Sep 2013 23:59:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2013/08/26/yaiba-is-its-own-thing-team-ninja-would-love-to-make-yaiba-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/08/26/yaiba-is-its-own-thing-team-ninja-would-love-to-make-yaiba-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/08/26/yaiba-is-its-own-thing-team-ninja-would-love-to-make-yaiba-2/#comments
Although it's set in the Ninja Gaiden universe, Team Ninja looks at Yaiba: Ninja Gaiden Z as its own entity, separate from Ryu Hayabusa's outings and able to develop into its own property. Speaking to Joystiq at Gamescom, studio head Yosuke Hayashi said his team would love to make a Yaiba 2, but it needs to ensure the first Yaiba is a success first.

"It's not a sequel or a spin-off, it is its own thing," Hayashi said, "And so the systems are very different. We want to have it open to another audience, to people who like zombie games. The target is a little bit different, but it should still feel like a good, solid action game."

Yaiba isn't just a ninja meets zombies crossover, it is also a worldwide collaboration between three separate games studios: Ninja Gaiden dev Team Ninja and Keiji Inafune's Comcept from Japan, and California-based Spark Unlimited. It's an unusual collaboration to say the least, but one Inafune believes has worked out well.

"It's been interesting to see the Comcept team, the Team Ninja team, and the Spark team working together on this project," Inafune said. "First we were being careful with each other and respecting each other's boundaries, and stuff like that. But it really has become an open dialog between the teams, respecting the strengths of each team, and bringing out those strengths through discussion and through open and honest collaboration. To see that happen that between Team Ninja and Spark has been something that's really good for Yaiba."

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>comceptgamescom-2013microsoftplaystationps3spark-unlimitedteam-ninjaxboxyaibaMon, 26 Aug 2013 09:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2013/08/24/dead-or-alive-5-ultimate-has-online-2-vs-2-a-new-ranking-syste/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/08/24/dead-or-alive-5-ultimate-has-online-2-vs-2-a-new-ranking-syste/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/08/24/dead-or-alive-5-ultimate-has-online-2-vs-2-a-new-ranking-syste/#comments
In addition to the new characters, stages, and modes, Tecmo has announced that Dead or Alive 5 Ultimatewill update its Grade Point system, add a new Character Points system, an online two vs. two tag mode, and have 231 costumes to choose from when the game launches on September 3 for Xbox 360 and PS3.

Character Points will let you know how good an opponent is with the fighter they've selected, as well as their world ranking. Meanwhile, the four-player online tag mode will pit two teams of two players each against each other. Both winning players in an online tag match earn Grade Points, which count towards unlocking new costumes.

Sadly, we're relatively certain none of the costumes will be a thong bikini for the sexiest of DOA's fighters, Bass.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dead-or-alive-5dead-or-alive-5-ultimatemicrosoftplaystationps3Team-NinjaTecmoTecmo-KoeixboxXbox-360Sat, 24 Aug 2013 17:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2013/08/24/team-ninja-still-open-to-wii-u-but-no-current-plans-for-ports/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/08/24/team-ninja-still-open-to-wii-u-but-no-current-plans-for-ports/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/08/24/team-ninja-still-open-to-wii-u-but-no-current-plans-for-ports/#comments
Team Ninja is open to making more Wii U games, but the Japanese studio doesn't have any plans for ports like Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor's Edgeat the moment. Despite the Wii U's commercial struggles, studio head Yosuke Hayashi told Joystiq his team would consider games for the Nintendo system, as long as they're a good fit.

"Of course, I think there are games that would be good for Wii U," Hayashi told us at Gamescom. "So I think we need to still see what exactly those games they are and how you make a game for Wii U that is perfect for the Wii U. So if we get a chance to make a game like that, well, maybe we can think about it then. But right now we have no plans to port existing games to Wii U."

Razor's Edge was one of the first third-party games announced for the Wii U, and the port brought welcome revisions to the PS3 and Xbox 360 original. As for Team Ninja, it's currently collaborating with Keiji Inafune's Comcept and Lost Planet 3 dev Spark Unlimited on the zombie-plagued Yaiba: Ninja Gaiden Z, due on Xbox 360 and PS3 in early 2014.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gamescom-2013nintendoteam-ninjawii-uSat, 24 Aug 2013 14:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2013/07/23/teams-duke-it-out-in-dead-or-alive-5-ultimate/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/07/23/teams-duke-it-out-in-dead-or-alive-5-ultimate/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/07/23/teams-duke-it-out-in-dead-or-alive-5-ultimate/#commentsDead or Alive 5 Ultimate is preparing to enter the retail arena on September 3, with a smattering of new offline modes and costumes on top of the newcharacters announced previously. Team Fight is one such addition: You select a team of up to seven fighters and take on another team of scrappers, either controlled by another player or the AI.

Survival mode adds item drops in Dead or Alive 5 Ultimate, which should be familiar to those who've spent time with Dead or Alive 4's variant. Beginners can benefit from an expanded Tutorial mode and a Combo Challenge mode, the latter aimed at teaching players how to chain together succinct strikes and power moves.

Coughing up the entry fee to the latest DOA Tournament early either through Amazon or GameStop will secure some "pop idol" costumes for the female fighters. Finally, Team Ninja confirms all costumes acquired in Dead or Alive 5 are transferable to Ultimate, because playing as a near-naked Brad Wong is clearly the only way to go.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dead-or-alive-5dead-or-alive-5-ultimatemicrosoftplaystationps3team-ninjatecmo-koeixboxTue, 23 Jul 2013 19:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2013/07/12/dead-or-alive-5-ultimate-pre-orders-in-europe-get-costu/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/07/12/dead-or-alive-5-ultimate-pre-orders-in-europe-get-costu/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/07/12/dead-or-alive-5-ultimate-pre-orders-in-europe-get-costu/#comments
Retailer-specific costume packs will be awarded for pre-orders of Dead or Alive 5 Ultimate in Europe, Tecmo Koei has announced. GAME has "a colorful pack" of costumes for Kokoro, Lei Fang, Hitomi and Mila, while Amazon will hook it up with costumes for female ninjas Kasumi and Ayane. Other retailers will offer a six-outfit collaboration to cover Christie, Helena, Tina, Lisa and new combatants Momiji and Rachel.

Tecmo Koei did not share any images of the garb in question alongside the press release, which we've tucked past the break. We've also inquired about North America details and will update this post when we hear back.

Dead or Alive 5 Ultimate launches on September 3 for the Xbox 360 and PS3; a free-to-play version called Core Fighters is "planned" for simultaneous launch on PSN. Dead or Alive 5 Ultimate includes additional fighters, a variety of costume DLC from the original Dead or Alive 5 as well as content found in the PS Vita port, Dead or Alive 5 Plus.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazoncostume-dlcdead-or-alive-5dead-or-alive-5-ultimatedlcgamemicrosoftplaystationps3team-ninjatecmo-koeixboxFri, 12 Jul 2013 17:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2013/07/06/dead-or-alive-5-ultimate-arcade-announced-for-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/07/06/dead-or-alive-5-ultimate-arcade-announced-for-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/07/06/dead-or-alive-5-ultimate-arcade-announced-for-japan/#comments
A new arcade version of Dead or Alive 5 Ultimate is headed to Japanese arcades at some point in the future, according to Shoryuken's translation of a Team Ninja press release on 4gamer. The Dead or Alive series has been absent from arcades for the last 13 or so years, since the release of Dead or Alive 2 Millenium in 2000.

The game will arrive in arcades via Sega's "ALL.Net P-ras MULTI Ver. 2" digital distribution platform, which pushes games to networked arcade cabinets installed in arcades and amusement centers around Japan. The new build will be based on Dead or Alive 5 Ultimate, though beyond that not much else is known about the release, particularly when it may happen. The announcement also makes no mention of a western release, which is to be expected.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>announcementarcadedead-or-alive-5dead-or-alive-5-ultimatedead-or-alive-5-ultimate-arcadejapanjapanese-arcadeteam-ninjaTecmo-KoeiSat, 06 Jul 2013 21:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2013/06/17/yaiba-ninja-gaiden-z-trailers-wont-cost-you-an-arm-and-a-leg/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/06/17/yaiba-ninja-gaiden-z-trailers-wont-cost-you-an-arm-and-a-leg/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/06/17/yaiba-ninja-gaiden-z-trailers-wont-cost-you-an-arm-and-a-leg/#commentsYaiba: Ninja Gaiden Z stars Yaiba Kamikaze, a ninja killed by primary series star Ryu Hayabusa during a duel. We're not sure how Yaiba came back from the dead, but at least we can see how he died.

Yaiba: Ninja Gaiden Z is being developed primarily by Spark Unlimited, the Los Angeles-based studio also responsible for Lost Planet 3. In the video, Inafune says the studio is "exactly what we wanted" because they were able to bring a unique perspective to the ninja, unifying Western and Eastern visions on the classic archetype. "To appeal to both, it made sense for us to work together."

Inafune then goes into an astute metaphor about how game development is like building a house - at least, we think it's astute. We've never built a house before.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>comceptkeiji-inafunemicrosoftplaystationps3spark-limitedteam-ninjaxboxyaibayosuke-hayashiFri, 07 Jun 2013 20:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2013/06/03/dead-or-alive-5-ultimate-free-to-play-version-releasing-worldwid/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/06/03/dead-or-alive-5-ultimate-free-to-play-version-releasing-worldwid/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/06/03/dead-or-alive-5-ultimate-free-to-play-version-releasing-worldwid/#comments
Tecmo Koei is trying its hand with a free-to-play alternative version of Dead or Alive 5 Ultimate, subtitled Core Fighters, in addition to the full retail game. Core Fighters is a PS3 download "planned" for September 3 in North America. As Famitsu reports (via Siliconera), Tecmo Koei is in talks with Microsoft about an Xbox 360 version.

Core Fighters includes four playable characters: Ryu Hayabusa, Hayate, Kasumi, and Ayane. Opponents span the same roster as the full version, and all stages are included. Tutorial and training modes make the F2P version as well, but the story mode does not. In terms of in-game purchases, additional characters cost $4, while the story mode is $15.

As for online play, it's enabled for free, and players using the F2P and retail versions of Ultimate can fight each other. However, neither version of Ultimate is compatible for online tussles against players using the original Dead or Alive 5, or Dead or Alive 5 Plus on Vita.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dead-or-alive-5dead-or-alive-5-ultimatejapanmicrosoftplaystationps3psnrelease-dateteam-ninjaTecmo-KoeixboxMon, 03 Jun 2013 12:30:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/28/dead-or-alive-5-ultimate-picks-a-fight-on-sept-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/28/dead-or-alive-5-ultimate-picks-a-fight-on-sept-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/28/dead-or-alive-5-ultimate-picks-a-fight-on-sept-3/#commentsDead or Alive 5 Ultimate will launch across Xbox 360 and PS3 on September 3 in North America, Tecmo-Koei announced today in its annual pre-E3 missive.

Dead or Alive 5 Ultimate is an expanded version of Team Ninja's 2012 fighter, Dead or Alive 5. The Ultimate port has additional fighters and content, including everything found in the PS Vita port, Dead or Alive 5 Plus. Last week, Team Ninja revealed Virtua Fighter mainstay Jacky Bryant and DOA series amnesiac Ein have joined the cast.

The publisher will have Team Ninja's fighter on-hand at E3 in Los Angeles next month, along with Yaiba: Ninja Gaiden Z, Atelier Meruru Plus: The Apprentice of Arlend, Dynasty Warriors 8 and Toukiden.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dead-or-alive-5dead-or-alive-5-ultimatemicrosoftplaystationps3release-dateteam-ninjatecmo-koeixboxTue, 28 May 2013 21:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/25/see-ein-and-jacky-throw-down-in-dead-or-alive-5-ultimate/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/25/see-ein-and-jacky-throw-down-in-dead-or-alive-5-ultimate/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/25/see-ein-and-jacky-throw-down-in-dead-or-alive-5-ultimate/#comments
Virtua Fighter's Jacky Bryant will join his sister Sarah in Dead or Alive 5 Ultimate and, in a new trailer and set of screens, the pair team up in a tag match. We get a good glimpse at some of the spiky-haired brawler's move set, alongside Ultimate's other new cast member, Ein.

Dead or Alive 5 Ultimate is an upcoming retail and digital re-release on Xbox 360 and PS3 of last year's Team Ninja fighter, Dead or Alive 5. Ultimate includes modes and content from the PS Vita port Dead or Alive 5 Plus, like additional stages - some themed around Ninja Gaiden - and, of course, extra characters.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dead-or-alive-5microsoftplaystationps3team-ninjatecmo-koeixboxSat, 25 May 2013 01:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/22/dead-or-alive-5-ultimate-adds-ein-virtua-fighters-jacky-bryant/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/22/dead-or-alive-5-ultimate-adds-ein-virtua-fighters-jacky-bryant/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/22/dead-or-alive-5-ultimate-adds-ein-virtua-fighters-jacky-bryant/#comments
Joining Ninja Gaiden's Momiji as new characters in Dead or Alive 5 Ultimate are Ein and Jacky Bryant, the latter from the Virtua Fighter series. As revealed in the latest issue of Famitsu (via Siliconera and Game Jouhou), the spiky-haired racer gels with the other combatants when the PS3 and Xbox 360 game hits Japan on September 5.

The Ultimate version of DoA 5 is confirmed to arrive in the west this fall, both at retail and on digital platforms.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dead-or-alive-5dead-or-alive-5-ultimatemicrosoftplaystationps3team-ninjatecmo-koeixboxWed, 22 May 2013 10:30:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/dead-or-alive-5-ultimate-confirmed-for-xbox-360-ps3-this-fall/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/dead-or-alive-5-ultimate-confirmed-for-xbox-360-ps3-this-fall/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/dead-or-alive-5-ultimate-confirmed-for-xbox-360-ps3-this-fall/#commentsDead or Alive 5 Ultimate is officially heading to Xbox 360 and PS3 this fall as a retail and digital game. This version of Dead or Alive 5 is so Ultimate because it includes modes from the Vita'sDead or Alive 5 Plus, new stages, new fighters and cameos from Ninja Gaiden - including levels such as Sky City Tokyo and the character Momiji, as was rumored earlier this week.

"The largest lineup in DOA history includes the first ever appearance of Ninja Gaiden's Momiji, who utilizes the Hayabusa-style Aikijutsu taught to her by the master himself, Ryu Hayabusa," the Ultimate press release reads. Said lineup also appears to include the return of Leon, a fighter who debuted in Dead or Alive 2.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dead-or-alive-5dead-or-alive-5-ultimatemicrosoftmomijiNinja-Gaidenplaystationps3Team-NinjaTecmo-KoeixboxThu, 09 May 2013 14:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/rumor-dead-or-alive-5-ultimate-coming-to-ps3-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/rumor-dead-or-alive-5-ultimate-coming-to-ps3-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/rumor-dead-or-alive-5-ultimate-coming-to-ps3-360/#comments
An enhanced version of last year's Dead or Alive 5, dubbed Dead or Alive 5 Ultimate, will fight its way onto the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 at some point in the future, according to a story at Siliconera. The announcement, made in the pages of the latest issue of Famitsu, states that Ninja Gaiden's Momiji will be added as a playable fighter.

Momiji's inclusion in a new Dead or Alive project was teased during a Japanese tournament late last month. We've reached out to Tecmo Koei for more information and will update with anything we learn regarding North American and European plans.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dead-or-alive-5dead-or-alive-5-ultimatemicrosoftplaystationps3team-ninjatecmoTecmo-KoeixboxTue, 07 May 2013 19:45:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/29/new-dead-or-alive-5-project-announced-ninja-gaidens-momiji-tea/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/29/new-dead-or-alive-5-project-announced-ninja-gaidens-momiji-tea/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/29/new-dead-or-alive-5-project-announced-ninja-gaidens-momiji-tea/#commentsTeam Ninja announced a new Dead or Alive 5 project this weekend, and it looks to be a new game featuring the Momiji character from the Ninja Gaiden series. As Shoryuken reports, the brief teaser trailer shown at the "TGN Playse #1" tournament didn't divulge much beyond it "coming soon" to Xbox 360 and PS3.

The katana-brandishing Momiji first appeared in DS entry Dragon Sword, before gracing the series proper as a playable character in Ninja Gaiden 2. Ryu's apprentice then came to Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor's Edge as a playable characterthrough DLC. Unlike some of Ninja Gaiden's protagonists, she's yet to star in Team Ninja's DoA series.

When approached, a Tecmo Koei spokesperson said she was unable to comment.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dead-or-alive-5microsoftmomijiplaystationps3team-ninjaxboxMon, 29 Apr 2013 10:30:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/25/team-ninja-split-into-two-groups-in-tecmo-koei-reorganization/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/25/team-ninja-split-into-two-groups-in-tecmo-koei-reorganization/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/25/team-ninja-split-into-two-groups-in-tecmo-koei-reorganization/#commentsParent company Tecmo Koei will restructure its flagship studio Team Ninja into two individual groups, Ichigaya Development Group 1 and Ichigaya Development Group 2. In a statement today, Tecmo Koei confirms Yosuke Hayashi will oversee Group 1, while Fatal Frame series alum Keisuke Kikuchi will get a bump up to head of Group 2. We've followed up with Tecmo Koei to confirm how this reorganization may affect others at the Japanese development house.

This news comes at a busy time for Tecmo Koei, who just launched Dead or Alive 5 Plus on the PS Vita and is currently gearing up to port Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor's Edge to the PS3 and Xbox 360 on April 2. A demo for Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor's Edge is currently available on both Xbox Live and PlayStation Network.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dead-or-alive-5-pluskeisuke-kikuchimicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3team-ninjatecmo-koeiwii-uxboxyosuke-hayashiMon, 25 Mar 2013 16:20:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/12/psa-ninja-gaiden-3-razors-edge-demo-out-today-on-ps3-xbox/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/12/psa-ninja-gaiden-3-razors-edge-demo-out-today-on-ps3-xbox/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/12/psa-ninja-gaiden-3-razors-edge-demo-out-today-on-ps3-xbox/#commentsThe recently announced demo of Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor's Edge now has a release date: today. The demo is available now on PSN. Meanwhile, the Xbox Live version has yet to appear, though Tecmo tells Joystiq that is "definitely slated to go live today." The demo allows players to take on different sections of the game as either the series longstanding hero Ryu Hayabusa, or the purple-haired kunoichi, Ayane.